Girly Stuff to Come

My daughter, being recently in love with Fancy Nancy, chose to take her new book for show and tell today. As we were driving to preschool she informed me today that she wished I were more plain. I thought that was a funny request, and asked her what she meant. She continued to say that she wished she could be Fancy Nancy and dress me up, and make me all fancy. But because I already wear fancy stuff she can't do that to me.

I think it's funny because in my mind, I wear the same thing every day. Jeans. Casual top. Shoes. I usually throw my two secret weapons in there. But, similar to my little girl, I've always been the more girly girl of our family. Growing up, I liked having tea parties with my stuffed animals and wearing cute dresses. My sister, on the other hand, probably didn't own a dress, and spent most of her time at our barn riding horses and galavanting around the woods.

So, even though I am so excited that the ACC Tournament is this weekend, I am more excited about going away on a women's retreat with a ton of wonderful women from my church. There will be giggling. There will be celebrating. But more than anything, there will be fellowship.

Even though I've always been girly, I have not always loved the thought of fellowship with other women. There were years that I really did not want to go on retreats like this. Maybe I thought I would be bored. Or unable to spend a weekend away doing what I'd really like to do - eating good food, shopping in boutiques, sleeping in, and watching movies. But under all of those reasons, I think that what intimidated me most was fearing that I would be unknown, rejected, and possibly...unloved. I definitely hid any of those feelings from others, probably too well, but I think that those fears held sway for some years.

Too often in our culture, we sacrifice our relationships with other women. Maybe we feel threatened or judged, or just treated poorly. Maybe we compare ourselves so much that it's just too hard to be around them. Maybe we believe the lie that tells us, that we just get along better with men, and so we don't put time into relationships with women. But over time, I have come to value these relationships more than I ever thought I would. And I have come to see that there is a beautiful strength in those bonds, that can, if nurtured, never be broken.

It seems that we sometimes tend to think that our "girlfriends" were only for our youth. That now that we're older and possibly married, possibly mothers, or just busy women, that we don't really have time for our girlfriends. That those relationships just don't matter enough to really have to put time and effort into. But time and time again, outside of my relationship with my husband, my friends are the ones who have loved and served me, more than anyone else. I would not and could not do life without them. These women, whom I believe Satan would love to keep me from being vulnerable and open with, have become sisters in Christ that I deeply treasure.

As I pack my bag today, I am looking forward to not having to cook or clean this weekend. And I am looking forward to good times with friends. But most of all, I am anticipating growing closer to my sisters in Christ as share life and seek our Father together. If you struggle with opening up to other women, I would say to you to try again. Go on that retreat coming up. Get involved in a women's Bible study or small group. But don't settle for life without the treasure of having "sisters" in your life.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Spring is in the air.    And I love it.   I know we'll get a couple more cold days, but I know that it's almost here.   I love being able to be outside and enjoy the sun shining down on me.   I find new ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's going to different parks, or sitting outside when I eat, or just working in the yard.    I was so excited the other day when I saw the first blossoms on the Bradford Pear trees lining the road that we travel daily.    It's always a sign that the seasons are changing.

All winter long, I wait patiently for the Spring.   It's like how I used to wait for Christmas once it was Fall.   (Or really, how I still do.)     I try to convince myself that other seasons are my favorite, but there is something different about the Spring.    I even found myself singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" the other day.   But skipping over the Christmas lyrics, and just keeping to that phrase.   I could say that it's the warm weather, or the budding flowers, or the birds singing more freely.   But what I truly believe it is, is the new life that it brings.    Or should I say, that He brings.

I walked by our dogwood tree the other day, and for many seasons, I have thought that it was about to die.   I love dogwoods, and we only have this little one in our yard.    And, it seriously is pretty skimpy, and I always think, this is it's last leg.   But somehow, it comes back to life every spring.   Even though it seems to have almost no life left in it, there are the tiniest of buds beginning to show forth.   It reminds me that I , too, have an entirely new life.   

Therefore, through baptism we were buried with him into his death so that, just as the Messiah was raised from the dead by the Father's glory, we too may live an entirely new life. (Rom. 6:4)

That because I was buried with him, when he chose to die for me, that I, too, have been given the same new life that Christ received.   He was raised by the Father's glory, and that is no small thing.   I am so thankful that the Lord not only teaches us with stories and parables that we can understand from daily life, but that He displays His glory throughout everything that we see.

I am anticipating Easter, with the hope of this new life.   And my prayer is that no matter how long I am a believer, that this new life that He offers me, would never become old to me.   That I would see His mercies new for me every morning, and know that I need His new life just as much this season, as I did the last.

Two Peas in a Pod

These two are inseparable. Maddie is our sweet little friend who spends her days with us, and Asher is my little boy. At 20 months and 2 1/2 they act like a little old married couple. Hugging and kissing, and then bickering over the silliest of things. As soon as one wakes up from their nap, they ask where the other one is. They probably are too much like brother and sister to ever want to even go on a date, but just in case they ever get married...I have some before pictures.

She said "yes!"

let us pray...

their first dance

Such a sweet little couple. You'd never even guess they were just playing ring around the rosy.

Spring's Right Around the Corner...Right?

I almost packed up our winter coats last week, when it was warming up, but boy am I glad I didn't. We woke up to see this!

We finally got the snow we'd wanted all winter...in March. It seems normal for us. I remember most years getting one last hit of winter once March finally rolled around. And this was the most snow we had all winter. We are ready for spring, but the snow was fun. I'm mad about my daffodils being killed, though. River was especially glad to stay home from preschool, and play with all her new birthday things. It was a nice to look out, all day long, and see snow. Not just for the first hour of the morning. Usually our snow is gone by lunch, but this time, it hung around for a while.

should i eat it, or throw it?

whew, that's cold!

snow angels! real ones this time!

It was a fun to stay home, have a snow ball fight with our friends, make chowder and apple pie, and enjoy some hot cocoa. What do you like to do when it snows? I'm all about some new traditions! Lay em on me!

The Birthday Princess

admiring her princess tutu that she helped design

The princess of our home had her 5th birthday today.    We had a wonderful day filled with presents, yummy food (of her choice), friends and family, and celebration.   My favorite things, too!   I know that I have talked before about how similar we are (my sweet River and I), but today was a day that highlighted many of our similarities, and I loved every minute of it.

From the moment she woke up, she could hardly wait to tear into these...

Then, with her birthday breakfast - her choice was exactly what mine always is - French Toast - complete with powdered sugar, strawberries, and whip cream.

Next we moved into hanging out and watching a movie.    She finally got a Doodlebops DVD so she had to see that.

We began to prepare for the royal ball that she and I had planned.   We had talked extensively about all the activities we wanted to be able to do, and how we wanted our party to be.    She had been as into the planning of the details as I had.   I even had a pad labeled "official party business" - you LOTR fans will appreciate that.   From crown decorating to wand making to polishing nails and painting faces, her party was so fun.     We planned the menu together, and had lots of finger foods to munch on, and then cupcakes and build-your-own ice cream sundays for dessert.    When I asked her what her favorite part of her party was, she said, "the food!"   I laughed.

Her choice of restaurant for dinner was Chick-Fil-A - big surprise!    I probably would have picked differently on that one.   However, I remembered as we were pulling up, how my 5th birthday party was spent at McDonalds.

But my favorite thing about the day, was hearing her answer this question.    When asked, "Were you the prettiest princess there?" about her party, she sincerely replied, 

 "There were soooo many princesses there.    They were all sooo beautiful!!"     I smiled and thought what a princess she truly is.    

I am so proud of what a thoughtful and sweet girl she is.   I know that she won't always want me to be the queen of her party.    She won't always want me to help get her ready and pull on her tights.    She won't always want me to play "magical chairs" (her title for our musical chairs at the party) , and offer to let me have her seat instead of being out, just so that I can keep playing with her.    She won't always ask for me to tuck her in.      She may not  want me to snuggle and say goodnight every night with a hug and a kiss, and butterflies, and saying "sweet dreams, sleep tight..." and so on and so on.   

But no matter what, she will always be my princess.    And I'm so thankful she is who she is.

Secrets...Think Daffodils...

From all that I'm seeing and hearing, bright yellow is the hot color for this spring. Pantone(a company that widely influences the fashion industry when it comes to colors and shades) recently named "mimosa" the color of 2009. It's bright, but also has some warm hues to it, so it's not too overwhelming.

Other "in" colors are ones that remind you of citrusy things. Mango, papaya, limes, get it? Now, you don't have to feel like you have to run out and get a wardrobe full of fruit, but if you see a cute new bag or top, instead of going for your usual black, brown or gray, grab the brightly colored one! Next on the list for top colors are the bright pinks and blues, so if the yellow family feels a little too ambitious, go with one of the others that you feel more confident in.

When wearing these fun pops of color, make sure you freshen it up by pairing them with denim or white. Pairing with black is a little too 80s.

You'll look adorable sporting these splashes of color this spring and summer!

To Dance or Not To Dance

That is the question.

Every week, I have the honor of working with beautiful girls from our neighborhood in a dance ministry. They love to dance, and they are awesome dancers. But every week, we have to almost fight them to get them to dance. Sometimes at dance, I want to leave before we even begin. They have all the attitude in the world sometimes, and I just want to turn around and walk out the door. But somehow, by the end of dance, I'm impressed, proud, and excited about how they've pushed through and danced.

I've always danced ever since I was a little girl. Even before my first lessons, I was always putting on some crazy outfit and doing my Madonna and Michael Jackson moves. Don't laugh, you know you did it, too. But as I got older, it became harder to let go of my insecurities, and harder to feel free to just dance. I would hold back, even in dance class with my friends, afraid that I would look stupid, or just not as good as the other girls. Something that my Mom would always tell me was to never stop dancing. She knew that in my hard of hearts it was who I was.

There was a period of time when I gave it up. I thought that my dancing days were over, and just a memory from the past. Something that I used to be, but no longer really who I was. I was wrong.

You know that song, "I hope you dance"? I loved that song from the first time I heard it. Sure it's a little cheesy, but the reason why I love it, is because it is hard to be that free. Even when you long to be free. It's hard to let down your guard and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough in front of other people to dance. Or hope. Or wonder. Or believe. Especially when you know how cruel the world can be at times. And these girls know how cruel the world can be.

This past weekend, our girls danced in front of a lot of people, and performed two different pieces that are hard to do. Not just step wise, but emotionally hard. They feel the brokenness of their own lives, and sometimes that scares them. Sometimes they don't want to think about the pain that they have had to overcome. And they sometimes don't want to dance. But deep down, they're dying to. Deep down, what they want is to be so free that they could dance with the world watching, and not have a care in the world. And so they push through, and they dance. And, they amaze me. They stand in the strength of their God, and dance.

Secrets...for Spring!

Today with the rain coming down, it reminds me of how ready I am for sunny warm weather. I mean, I'm all about some cute rainboots, but not so much the rain.

To get yourself ready for springtime, find a pair of old jeans that you're not wearing on an everyday basis. I feel like since I was a teenager, I have things that acclamate me to the spring. For example, pulling my flipflops out from under the bed. Painting my awful looking toenails. And, cutting off a pair of jeans and making a "new" pair of capris or shorts.

Apparently the fashion experts are taking to this quite literally this year. The in thing for this spring is to have "boyfriend jeans". Basically these are jeans that have lots of cuts and tears in them, and then are rolled up to have a cute little cuffs on the bottom. I think the best idea is to go get a pair of guys jeans (or snag a pair from your hubby or boyfriend) from Goodwill or your favorite local thrift store, and do the job yourself. Now I know some of you will not feel very confident in doing this, but seriously, you can't go wrong with slashing up a pair of $2 jeans. These are Lucky Jeans, and are each $129. I think you can do better than that!

Pair these cuties with your favorite flops or flats, and you'll be looking so sassy for spring!

A Quiet Season

I'm in the midst of feeling kind of quiet inside.    There are times when I feel like I could say so much about so many things, and then there are these other times.   Where I just feel kind of blah, tired, and not much of a conversationalist.   These times don't happen very often, so when they do, I notice them.

I think sometimes it's so easy to go through life without experiencing all the seasons.    I've often told people that I would be happy to live somewhere where it's 70 degrees year-round.   To not have winter?   Sounds great to me!     (except for all the winter food I love!)    The winter feels long, cold, and at times just dead.

I was reminded this past week of some hard things from the past that have very much gone by and by.   It's easy for me to have something difficult, or even tragic, take place, and just push right by it.   To not really feel it.   To not allow it to remake me.   To simply keep going, in spite of it.    I truly believe that this is a weakness of mine, even though in the past I have prided myself on the ability to keep going.   In an effort to survive, I deny myself the right to feel.   The right to be angry or sad.    The right to mourn.

This past Sunday, our pastor taught about forgiveness.   He used the illustration of how unforgiveness is like strapping a person to your back, and carrying them with you everywhere you go.    To not allow them to have forgiveness really only enslaves us.    I thought about some of the girls that I am getting to know.   I thought about how many of them have been raped, abused, neglected, and shamed to no end.     I know when I hear about what has happened to them, I can barely let my hatred go toward the offender.    Much less, how hard it is for them to even think about forgiving those who have sinned against them.    And how, even though it seems the hardest thing to do, to cut that person loose, to no longer carry them with them everywhere they go,  the only way that they are ever free, is to do just that.   Otherwise, it only creates hatred, bitterness, scorn, and malice in them.

As I looked at the bushes outside on Sunday, I was so excited to see the tiniest of life on them once again.   All around, the plant still looks hard and lifeless.   Dead.    But then, the tiniest spot of green coming from the center.     I long to know that out of the deadest places in us, something so delicate and beautiful can still come forth.   To have new life.   It is a quiet reminder to me that there is hope through even the darkest of seasons.

Thank God It's Friday

I'm thankful that it's Friday for lots of reasons this week, but more than anything, my sweet husband and I get two dates this weekend!    One tonight with other couples from our church and then one tomorrow all day!!!   We're even being super cutesy by planning half the day each, but keeping it a surprise until tomorrow.   Between schedules, money (or lack thereof), and sickness, there's not been a whole lot of dating going on around here.

However, one fun tradition that we have this time of year is watching the Tarheels play.    Even though we don't get big cable, we love when the games start coming on regular TV.   We take these games seriously.      Our tradition consists of delicious taco dip, chips, salsa, usually drinking a beer with our Tarheel coozies, and lots of yelling and cheering.    Wednesday night made us particularly happy to watch our team beat Duke!     

Here's our usually game day spread 

(minus the random bottle that River was using to play with her babies with)  

The Big Question

There are those specific times in your life when you know a particular decision is on the horizon, and you know that it's only getting closer, but you also know you still don't know the answer.

I remember in high school, waiting and waiting to find out where I was going to go to college, and then having to choose which one.   Just about all you were asked was, 

"So what are you doing after graduation?   Which school are you going to?"

And then again in college, and this time, knowing even less.   The big question came, 

"What are you doing after graduation?"   

I remember almost wanting to run away and hide because I didn't have a clue.  I knew that God would work it all out.   And I knew that I would be fine, doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.   But I had no idea what that would be.

We're in that spot again.    Except this time it feels bigger because it's about my almost 5 year old, not just about me.    Everywhere I go, and almost everyone I talk with asks that question that is ever present in my mind, too...

"Where is River going to Kindergarten?"

Let me just say, that I really have not known how to answer this question.   Just like the times before, I'm beginning to dread the question itself.    This time, the options feel too many, and not to mention the emotional baggage I'm dragging into it, not even wanting her to be away every day!     This is how my typical answer goes...

"Well, we're thinking about the magnet schools in the area, and have also considered home schooling.   We've looked at the schools in our district but still are very sure about those, either.  We're just trying to look at all the options, and figure it out."

Basically...."I HAVE NO IDEA!"

This past Saturday was the magnet fair, which my husband and I had planned on attending for quite some time.    Of course I came down with the 24 hr. stomach bug that morning.   I forced myself to go, but we only made it to about 4 booths before I was squeezing my husband's arm to signal "If I don't get out of here, I'm gonna die."

So, still no luck in knowing the answer.   And even after we apply to our top 3 magnets, we still don't know for sure.  It's by lottery, so we'll still just have to wait and see.

But the truth, as one of my friends put it this morning, is that it's not THAT big of a deal.   If we put her somewhere that we don't like, we can always take her out and try another choice.   It's not a "forever" decision.    You can tell that this is my first, and I'm probably thinking WAY too hard about this decision.   Wow, just think about how I'll be when she's going to college.   Or getting MARRIED!!   yikes.     

The good news is that the Lord knows the plans He has for her.   Plans to prosper her, and give her a hope and a future.  You better believe I'm trusting in that!!

A Morning Vent

This morning I thought it would be fun to surprise the kids and take them to the museum.  So I got them all ready and we were about to walk out the door when I smelled something really stinky.   At first I though it was just the trash.   But then I knew that it was poop.   

I asked both of my kids if they had to go to the bathroom, to which they both answered, "No."   Then I checked just to make sure my 2 year old hadn't had an accident in his pants.   No.    Then, my daughter, the 4-going-on-14 year old said, "Is it you?"   "NO!"  I said in response, like I would have a hard time making it to the bathroom, and would be blaming someone else if I was making the stench.

I had the thought to look in the laundry room, where our dog sleeps at night, to see if it might be coming from out there.  And sure enough, our 10 year old black lab, had had diarrhea all over his bed, and all over the laundry room.     

Usually, I would have been able to weasel out of clean up duty, and let my sweet husband have that honor.   But lucky for him, he was already at work.    So, I got to do the dirty deed.    And I tell you, I don't really mind my kids poop.     But there is nothing worse to clean up than dog crap.     I almost threw up myself it was so nasty.

Anyway, after all that we ventured out, and picked up Sweet Maddie, before heading to the museum.   I treated myself to a latte on the way as my reward for the nasty morning chore.   Then, after walking hand in hand with the three little ones into the museum, I realized I had left my hot latte on the top of my car.    Oh well.    There's nothing I hate more than splurging on a special drink, and then not getting to drink it.  But I wasn't about to drag all three of them back out through the parking lot just to get my latte.     So, I just had to let it go.   I decided I would be "refrigerated" by the cold, and I would heat it up and enjoy it later.   Which I did.   Hopefully no one poisoned it.     

So, we had a great time playing in the museum.    I even let them each paint a picture.    I specifically said to the girl that we would be back after playing to let the dry.    You can probably guess where this is going.    After having our playtime and eating lunch, we went back to pick up our paintings.    The girl started to look around, and then started asking questions, like "Were their names on them?"   "Yes."  I replied without emotion.    I'm thinking to myself, "Are you kidding me?  I'm the crazy lady who brings 3 kids all under 4 in at once and lets them all paint a picture, and you don't remember us?"   She remembered "River" because who forgets that name, and found hers.     The other two, who belonged to the 1 and 2 year old, and who had worked equally as hard on their masterpieces, but to the art lady probably just looked like scribble scrabble, were gone.   I asked in an agitated voice, "Which trash can would they be in?"   Without apologizing, she began to look in one, and motioned to the other can where they might be.

I found them, balled up, wet, and torn.   I was really sad, and irritated that she had thrown them away, and then not even apologized.    I had been excited for their time working with colors and using good paint strokes, and the lady had even helped them with each of their smocks.   I know she was just cleaning up her area, but I said, "WE'LL BE BACK IN A LITTLE BIT TO LET THEM DRY!"     Can you tell I'm totally over it?    I did not fuss at her, but I was not very kind.    I'm sorry "art girl".     Even though you did not apologize or act remorseful in the least bit, I should still be just as kind and loving to you.

We walked back out to the car, and even though my backseat barely seats three, I cram three car seats in somehow.    And I have to pull and push and maneuver and hold my face just right to get all the buckles to go where they're supposed to go.     Today I think it took me taking one of the car seats out 3 times before I got the booster buckled the right way, and the car seat back in the right way.   What the heck?!     Why don't they make retractable bottom clickers, that don't go back under the seat when you're trying to buckle them?    Why don't the seat belts just click in any of the clickers?     I was gritting my teeth, and leaning over one child, and calling the buckle "stupid" when my daughter said, "Mommy, stupid's not a very nice word to say."   I prayed for self control to not lash out and said ridiculous instead of the word 4 letter word I wanted to say.    After 15 minutes, I finally had them all in, and I called my husband and vented about how ridiculous it is that we have such a small car for 3 car seats, and how "I JUST CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS!"    Then we talked about a plan for a van.

In the grand scheme of things, these things are not a big deal.     I realize that.    In Bible Study the other night, we talked about things that make us angry.    We talked about how the things that make us angry are usually the things that upset what we value in life.     A clean poop-free house.   My morning coffee.     My children's artwork.      Car seats that buckle easily.   I value these little things that usually do not make me want to scream and kick and say ugly words.    However, it is in these little things, where I see the places in my heart that need Jesus so desperately.   These little things that take more strength than to move a mountain to get through with the right attitude and loving kindness.      It is these little things that I have to ask the Lord to create in me a clean heart.   And renew a right spirit in me.     

What are the little things that are driving you crazy today?    I'm not the only one, right?  RIGHT??!!   

Preschool Snow Day

Even though the snow has already melted, it still has been a snow day for us. Yes, school was cancelled. Yes, work started late. I love living in NC. I thought that you stay at home moms might like some fun snow day activities. Especially if you live somewhere where the snow sticks around a few days! My kids are 2 and almost 5, and we have a friend with us during the day who is 20 months, and each of them loved these activities. Here's how our day went.

For starters, I made homemade hot cocoa and big breakfast, which was very nice. I have incorporate food, first!

For circle time, we started with our snow songs. Our first is one that we sing about clothes that we put on when it's cold. We act out putting on the items as we sing,

"I put my hat on my head when it's cold outside, when it's cold outside. I say, BRRRR!"

(and go through with different items for different parts of the body - scarf on my neck, boots on my feet, mittens on my hands, etc.) They love saying "BRRRR!!!" and pretending we're so cold!

Our next song is to the tune London Bridge, and it's called "All the Snow is Falling Down". They don't care that it's sunny and definitely not snowing. They just love singing about the snow!

All the snow is falling down, falling down, falling down,

All the snow is falling down, all around us.

Bend down low and scoop some up, scoop some up, scoop some up.

Bend down low and scoop some up, and make a snow ball.

Toss it up into the sky, to the sky, to the sky.

Toss it up into the sky, and all fall down!

We use that song throughout the year, and change it according to the season (i.e. All the Leaves Are Falling Down, etc.)

Then, we read books about snow and, as always, children's books allow me to more fully enjoy the moment that we're celebrating. On the last snow day we had checked out some books from the library that I would highly recommend - This Place in the Snow by Rebecca Bond, and Snowball Soup by Mercer Mayer. Both were great for preschoolers, and after a few times through, River was able to read Snowball Soup (a my first read book).

This morning we had fun reading The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, which is such a great snow day book. Here's a great resource for a few activities to go with this book and some other snowy stories. Then we finished with Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers. I love this version of Stopping by Woods, because the pictures make it enjoyable and understandable for my preschoolers! Both are great books to explore winter time themes.

We started making Snowmen Cookies, but only made the dough. You can learn from my mistake and make the dough the night before. I didn't read through the entire recipe to see that you have to let the dough sit in the refrigerator for 8 hours. So, tomorrow, we'll continue that activity and finish up our snowmen cookies. I'll type up the recipe and put it on with the picture tomorrow.

For our craft time, we made some paper snowflakes. I just took white paper and traced a large cup (or coffee mug will work, too) to get the size of circle I needed. Then, after your circle is cut out (if you have an older preschooler, they can cut their circle to work on cutting.) let the kids help you fold the paper in half, and then in half again, and then again (so that it looks like a tiny pizza slice). Then, using kid scissors, help them cut, or let them cut different patterns into the snowflake. When you open it up, it's a beautiful snowflake! If you want to be fancy, use some silver glitter glue (I had some from Dollar Tree on hand) to decorate flakes, then, loop a piece of yarn or ribbon through the top, and hang from a window for a beautiful window decoration! You can also just put a piece of tape on the back and tape to the window for the same effect. I love reminding my kids how no two snowflakes are alike, just as no two children are alike. We each have differences that make us exactly who we are. We talked about how God made us each differently and how each one of us is a beautiful masterpiece! You can even bring in Ps. 139:14 to tie in a Bible verse to your lesson.

For an extra easy craft, I found this cute website with tons of ideas and free coloring sheets, and printed off the snowman picture they had so that we could color a fun snow day picture.

Here's hoping your snow days are filled with fun!

Soup's On!

Over the last few weeks, I've made more soup than any other food. I don't usually make soup...it's only because it's been so cold! And even though you mid-westerners and northerners laugh at our 30 degree winter weather, to me it's FREEZING outside! So, what do I do? Make soup. And bake. And make some more soup. There's something comforting about throwing a bunch of stuff in a pot, and then just letting it do it's thing. Meanwhile, I can do mine!

My favorite soups are rich and creamy. My hubby's favorite kinds of soups are the hearty and brothy kind (I don't think brothy is a word). So, we've tried a few new ones and improved a couple old recipes. Here's a taste of our favorites this season...

Hearty Vegetable Soup

2 tbsp. butter (can use olive oil)

1 lg. onion (diced)

1 tsp. ground cumin

2-3 tsp. italian spices

1 tsp. salt

1-2 tbsp. sugar

2 cloves garlic (minced)

4 baking potatoes (diced)

2 carrots (sliced)

frozen peas, lima beans, corn (or whatever veggies you like)

46 oz. tomato juice

1 can beef broth

2 cups water

Heat butter over medium in large saucepan. Sauté your onion in butter until soft. Add garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant (couple minutes). Add rest of ingredients. Bring to boil, and then turn down to simmer on low for at least 45 min. (I have been known to let cook on low for several hours, and it just gets better!) Serve this with grilled cheese for a great easy meal!

Chili

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion (chopped)

2 cans kidney beans (drained)

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 can tomato soup

1 pkt. chili seasoning

2 tbsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

Fry your ground beef and onion together until beef is browned (10 min. on med heat). Drain excess grease. Add in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili packet, tomato soup, salt, and sugar. Let simmer for 1 1/2 hrs. stirring often. Garnish with cheddar cheese and sour cream and serve over rice. Delicious on a cold winter day!

Quick Potato Chowder

2 stalks celery (diced)

3 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. flour

1 14 oz. can chicken broth

*2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onions

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup half and half

4 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled

salt and pepper

*can use fresh potatoes and onions also. just add the sauté the onion with the celery, and cook your potatoes in boiling water until soft.

In a saucepan cook celery in hot butter over med heat until tender. Stir in flour until combined. Stir in broth; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add potatoes; return to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 15 min. or until tender. Slightly mash potatoes. Stir in milk, half and half, and bacon. Heat through. Salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Stew

4 tsp. olive oil

1 med. onion (chopped)

4 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can diced tomatoes

*1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 pkg. frozen corn (10 oz.)

(*to make a more mild stew you can substitute a can of regular diced tomatoes)

In large saucepan heat oil over med. heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cumin, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant (another minute or so). Add beans, tomatoes, water, and salt to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low and simmer, until slightly thickened, about 20 min. Add corn to stew and allow to heat through. Garnish with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with heated tortillas or quesadillas.

What's your favorite soup to eat during these chillier months? Leave me the recipe if it's a good one, and I'll be sure to try it!

Vintage? Or Vintage Inspired?

The other day, my friend Kari said how she like decorating with things that have stories attached. I couldn't agree more. Now, my story might be that I found it in my Grandma's attic, or on the side of the road, but it's still a story.

The other day, when skimming through a Pottery Barn Kids magazine, I saw something that looked familiar. I know that it caught my eye, just because I love the vintage style so much. But it was funny as I looked closer, I thought to myself, "I have the originals!!" And also the creeks, but hey, what's a little character!

Here is the "vintage inspired" bed from PB

the "Olivia Collection"

And here's the matching "vintage inspired" dresser in vintage pink

here's our vintage little girls' bed

(the "River" collection)

the bed beside our vintage pink dresser

I can't take credit for finding this beautiful set. A couple years ago, when we were talking of moving River into a big girl bed, my sweet mom-in-law saw it while down at her favorite antique store in Shallote, N.C. She grabbed a cell phone and got the "YES!!! GET IT!" from me, and it was loaded onto her friend's truck in no time.

Before paying the big bucks, check out antique stores if you're wanting that vintage look. A lot of times you'll find what you're looking for (and even what Pottery Barn's looking for) right under your eyes! At a fraction of the price! Like an 1/8 of the price. Yes, seriously. Now, sometimes you'll have to do your own paint job, but a lot of times you can find them already spruced up, and only a couple hundred, instead of a couple thousand!

"Bless The Hands That Never Tire In Their Loving Care of Me"

When I was a little girl, I used to love looking at my mamma's hands.    They always had pretty rings on, and they always looked beautiful.   I longed for the day when I would be able to wear them.    My sister and I would even "put our name" on jewelry that we really liked, and because I loved the color purple, I always claimed all the amethyst.   My sister, being 4 years older, knew to not go for color, and always claimed the diamonds - smarty pants!

When I look at my hands now, throughout the day, I don't often think of my Mom, just because I'm in the midst of doing.   Washing dishes, cooking dinner, grabbing another tissue, blowing another nose.    But, yesterday, for some reason, I decided to put on her rings.   I have her hands, which is really fun, because when I put on her rings, they look just like hers did.    Even in the colder months, when they get kind of scratchy and chapped, no matter how much lotion I put on.     

As I went about my day, I thought about how her hands cared for me.   Day after day.   Cleaning, cooking, washing, hugging, reading, playing, and as you know, the list goes on and on.   Even though she didn't live a long life, every day of hers was filled with loving care towards me.   When I think about my hands, I know that they really do tire.   I tire of doing, giving, being that ever present person to comfort and love my family.    But even though I tire, I wouldn't have it any other way.   I love knowing that what makes me tired is caring for them.    And, to my children, when they look at my hands, I want them to know that my hands never tire of loving care for them.    

My little girl noticed I was wearing several rings, and asked about them.    I told her how much my mom loved nice jewelry, and how she had given me the rings I was wearing.   I told her how my mom's favorite stone was amethyst.    But my mom's birthstone wasn't amethyst, and my birthstone isn't amethyst, even though we kind of wished it was.     But it is my daughters' birthstone.   As the prayer says, "bless the hands that never tire in their loving care of me."   As I bless my mom's hands, I know one day my children will bless my hands for the love toward them.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good.   For at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."    Galatians 6:9

May your hands be blessed today, in all that they do.

Snowflakes that Stay on My Nose and Eyelashes!

Usually on snow days, I bake chocolate chip cookies and watch movies. But today, instead of movies, it the Inauguration. And sad to say that we're out of butter, so no cookies to be made. Popcorn will have to do.

We had fun this morning stomping around in the inch of snow that fell here, but alas as soon as it arrives, it's gone. I do wish that the snowflakes would stay on our noses and eyelashes a little bit longer. But what a great day for a snow day, the chance to watch history in the making as a family.

At least we had enough to make a bowl of snow cream!

And snow angels (kind of)

And snow balls!

Sniffle...Sniffle...Cough

Well, it's officially here...the after Christmas cold.  Usually we have at least one round of a respiratory infection before Christmas and then one after Christmas.   If your family is anything like my family, we usually all pass it around, and it takes about a month for everyone to be ALL the way well.

So instead of today being a day where I got to go help a friend with decorating and seeing another friend that I haven't seen in years, today will be a sniffle...sniffle...cough day, full of tea drinking and couch lounging.    And saying, "let's watch another cartoon."

But, in case you're at home lounging and doing some online shopping, I have to let you know about this great offer from rekoncile design... (I know, shameless plug!)   But it's just such a great deal - I would hate me, if I knew about it and didn't tell you!    Each of these bags is at least 50% off (plus monogramming). 

  (bags from left to right)

Sail Bag (12" x 20")  Reg. $18...Closeout $9

Overnight Bag (20" x 7" x 13") Reg. $24, now $12

Backpack (9" x 5" x 12")  Reg. $16, now $7.50

Large Tote Bag (18" x 4" x 14")  Reg. $14, now $7

The Only Thing that Counts

…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

                                            -Galatians 5:6b

As I read this, I think about how I was snappy and impatient with my kids tonight.   Or how I grumbled at the car driving too slow in front of me.    Or how I had a bad attitude about not being able to spend money.   Or how I judged a man because of how he looked.    And it feels like failure.     "I just can't do it, Lord.  I can't even do the only thing that counts."

But then, I remember, how I'm not the one who is supposed to be able to do it.  That I'm only a broken vessel.   An empty vase, filled with busy-ness, worries, stress, duties, and priorities.    Only when I have Jesus fill me with His love, His living water that brings life, can I then spill into other's lives.    He is my faith.  He is the love that can come out.   Only when I allow him to flow into all of me can I truly express my faith through love.    After all, it's the only thing that counts.

Popcorn for Breakfast?

Don't let that shy smile fool you.   Sweet?   You better believe it.   Curious?   More than George!   Boy?   Totally.

Remember my neighbors who had the evil santa claus at Halloween?    They're so nice!   We took them cookies around Thanksgiving, and actually met the wife, but still haven't had a chance to really get together with the kids.   But for Christmas, they brought us one of those huge tins of popcorn, you know the kind with the 3 different flavors.    Well, Asher loves popcorn.    He gets really excited about it, and even though my father the doctor would disagree with allowing him to eat it yet, I give in.

Now that my sweet little boy can climb out of his crib, he comes in to wake me up in the morning by standing right at my face by the side of my bed.   Usually I hear his little feet pitter patting down the hall on his way in.   But the other morning, as I was sleeping soundly all snug in my bed, I heard a weird sound that woke me.

*crunch...crunch... crunch*   "Mmm...'ca-corn'.   Good, Mama!"

My son had woken up, and proceeded to help himself to the huge tin of popcorn, and come in to proudly show me his morning  snack.    I have no idea how long he munched on it before coming to show me, but you can be assured, the "ca-corn" is put away!   But the trail of his crumbs by my bed is still lingering.

Kind of Almost Famous...

So lots of you know one of my best friends...Emily...from either her blog, or in real life. Lately, when I go places with her I kind of feel like I'm walking around with a celebrity. People stop us and tell her how much they love reading her blog, and ask her all types of questions about things they already know about her. And it's great. We walk away giggling with glee.

Not long ago, our friend Kari introduced us to the blog world, and Emily slowly came alive with her writing. Stories about her days, stories of her past, stories of watching others, and stories of being in fellowship with her Creator. But her stories have done much more than entertain and inform. They have invoked a community that longs to celebrate the everyday.

And so, even in the face of all the bloggers out there, who think that "Mommy Bloggers" are lame, and that what we talk about is of no real importance, she has continued to type away. And I'm so glad she has. She truly is a beautiful writer.

So while we still have time, I'm hoping that each of you will go to the Weblog Awards where she has been nominated as one of the ten finalist for "Best Small Blog" award and vote for Chatting at the Sky. She is up against some pretty tough competition (you know the kind of competition where you know a celebrity, and you get the celebrity to tell everyone in your fan base to vote for your friend, whether or not they actually read their blog, and let's just say the celebrity is Keira Knightly) but is holding a solid third position!

Voting is going on through tomorrow, so get out there and vote! And yes, I'm having flashbacks to November. Too bad Starbucks isn't giving out free coffee if you vote. You can come to my house and get some free coffee if you really want.

A Shoreline Story

There are places that you go in life that stay with you wherever you go.    Maybe it was the first time you went to the zoo, or the first time that you saw an overlook from a mountain view.     For me, ever since I was a little girl, my favorite place to go has always been the beach.   I love it in the winter, spring, summer and fall.   I don't have to have a reason to go.   I just love to be there.

Randy's parents have a place down at the beach, (I know you hate me now) and we got to go down this past weekend.   At first, I wondered if it would be worth the trip down - the work it takes to get down there, the time it takes to clean up and come back home, and all the in between.   But then, once I'm there, it's like coming home.   It welcomes me back, and I bask in the joy of feeling restored.

I've always found such peace strolling the shore, looking for seashells and animal life.   I love shell searching in the winter time because you can always find so much more than in the summer, when everyone is looking for those hidden treasures.   And, similar to bargain hunting, if you look long enough, and thoroughly enough, you're bound to find something.    This weekend was no different.   I found a little starfish, struggling to get back to the water, and after having show and tell with the kids, Randy gently tossed him back home.   I started down the shoreline looking for other shells and I knew it was calling me.  

As I walked down the shoreline that seemed to have no end, each step drew me a little farther.  Farther from my husband and children digging a sand castle, but closer to each new shell that was like gold in my hands.    I continued to walk on finding new treasures in each step, but never losing sight of my family, until they were little specks on the shore.    As much as I loved being able to find new shells, I wanted to return.   To hear their voices, to see what things they were exploring, and to be a part of their story that day.

Sometimes, I think that it's easy to feel a longing for the beyond.   A longing for what's just beyond that hill, or for the time when "that" finally happens.    But the thing is, that hill never comes.   The shoreline could have no end of new shells, and the thing that you're waiting to happen, is always just out of reach.     It isn't about finally finding the thing that gives you joy, the true joy is found right where you are.   Choosing to stay in the moment of now allows you to see the beauty of where you are.    The beauty of now.

So, I turned back toward my family, and walked slowly back down the shore, hands filled with treasures to share.

You Are Special Today

I love my birthday.   I've always loved it.    My mom and dad when I was little always had this red plate that said, "You Are Special Today" around the rim.   I used to get as excited about eating off the red plate as I did having my birthday breakfast and dinner be whatever I chose.   Usually, I picked french toast for breakfast and fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner.  My mom never even blinked an eye about my requests.    She would simply say, "Ok, that's what we'll have!"   We had family parties and friend parties.    It was an all day (sometimes week) celebration.    Presents were pretty nominal, but it was the celebration that was always so grand.     I definitely felt special on that day.

However, as life goes into one day, and out the next, many days and years go by, without feeling so special.   And what's worse, we get tricked into believing that we're not very special, except maybe on days like our birthdays.   We believe lies that life would be better if we were better.    That we're not good enough without having her house or her body or even, (gulp) her blog and that many comments!   If I could have more money or make better grades.  If I could get into that school or find a husband.   If my kids acted like that or if I had clothes like that.    If I could have faith like that.    The list goes on and on.    And we end up feeling like for some reason or another, we're just not that good.    That we're not that loved.    Or that loveable.

One thing I love about getting older is that I know more and more of who I am.   And I see more of the woman that God has made me to be.    And I'm learning to love who He created.  Without conditions.  Whether or not I'm in that size of jeans, and whether or not I did a good job at that.   Whether or not people like me.   Whether or not my house looks clean and beautiful.   Whether or not my husband and I get in a fight.    I see that what He made was a wonderful and fearful creation.    That doesn't change day by day, depending on how I act, or what I look like.   And who am I to say that what the CREATOR made isn't good enough?

I felt very celebrated this year for my birthday by several sweet people.   From breakfast to late night, I was doing things that I love to do (most of those things included eating yummy food).   I'm so thankful for the way that God has provided such a group of people around me to remind me that He loves me.    Not to mention how much fun I have with my family and friends!    But I am thankful to know that it's not just about being special "today" on my birthday.   No, it's knowing that you are that way everyday.     That you are special today.

If you tend to believe that you're not good enough, or that you're nothing that special,  I would challenge you to believe what He says about you.    That you were made by Him and for Him.   He longs for you to know His unconditional love and acceptance. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  ~psalm 139:14

Ever Fall on Your Face?

Tonight we got to go to a grown up party...with no kids...and no toys to trip over. So, I decided to wear my heels to go a little fancy for the evening. I mean, it's not very often that we get a night out, much less, without the little ones.

After a little eating and talking, I decided to venture outside to the outdoor games. As I was walking down the brick steps, my fancy little heel got caught in the grooves of the mat, and down I went. All the way. My hands hit the pavement below me, with my heel still at the top of the stairs. With lots of people watching.

Do you ever do something where you think, "Did I seriously just do that?" and you wish that you didn't but you know you totally did. Thankfully these people are my friends, and helped me up, and asked if I was okay. And didn't even laugh at me.

I fall a lot. It wasn't just because I was wearing heels, even though I did regret that in the moment. But I fall a lot more than most people.

Like the time that I finished dancing in a performance, and then when I ran back to the dressing room, tripped over a step and landed on my foot the wrong way, and broke it.

Or the time that I was walking down the steps by a fountain, and wasn't really thinking, and stepped out and completely missed a step, and my feet came up over my head, and I landed on my rear end.

Or the many times that my ankle just chooses to go out, and I fall down.

Or when I was at church the other week and fell down the stairs.

Or the other day when I fell down holding my son, but thankfully didn't hurt him, just felt silly.

See what I mean? It comes out of nowhere for me. I guess I'm just clumsy. All those years of dance apparently didn't teach me how to be a graceful walker.

But sometimes in life, whether by the wrong decisions that we make or just by being blind and stumbling, we can just fall flat on our face. In front of people. Without knowing that it's coming. And without knowing how to recover. You feel ashamed. Embarrassed. And unable to get up.

The only hope comes in knowing One who can pick us up. One who doesn't care how far we fell. Or why we fell. Who doesn't point a finger and say, "I TOLD YOU TO WATCH OUT!" He only says, "I want to help you get up. I love you. You're not beyond my reach."

It makes me so thankful to know, that we are never beyond His reach. That He never tires of pulling us out of our mire. Even when the pit has been dug by our own hands.